Former TD Colm Keaveney Banned from Driving for Four years After Refusing Breathalyser Test

Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon – Former Labor and Fianna Fáil TD Colm Keaveney has been disqualified from driving for four years after admitting to refusing to provide a blood or urine sample to gardaí following a late-night traffic incident in Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The 54-year-old, of Milltown Road, Tuam, Co. Galway, appeared before Judge Sandra Murphy at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on Tuesday.

Guilty Plea to Road Traffic Offences

Keaveney pleaded guilty to two charges: failing to provide a specimen under Section 12 of the Road Traffic Act and failing to stop after a collision. The court heard that the incident occurred on October 11th, 2024, when gardaí observed a Ford Focus being driven without lights through Boyle.

Details of the Incident

The vehicle was seen veering across the road and colliding with a car that was waiting at a junction.The driver of the Ford Focus did not stop at the scene but was later pulled over by gardaí on St. Patrick Street. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers noted that Keaveney appeared intoxicated, was unsteady on his feet, had glassy eyes, and smelled of alcohol.

Refusal to Provide Sample and Personal Circumstances

Keaveney was arrested and taken to Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station. Despite a formal demand from a designated doctor, he refused to provide a blood or urine sample.

Defense Arguments

during the proceedings,Keaveney’s solicitor highlighted meaningful personal strain the former TD had been under. These included the recent deaths of both his parents and ongoing chronic pain stemming from spinal surgery. The solicitor emphasized that Keaveney had no previous criminal convictions and noted that his request to see his own doctor at the station could not be accommodated. She described him as a father of three, including an infant, and stated, “Mr. Keaveney is not the sort of person you expect to see before the court,” citing his background and general cooperation.

Court’s Decision and Sentencing

Judge Murphy imposed a €250 fine and the four-year driving disqualification. Other charges, including driving without insurance and without a licence, were struck out after Keaveney produced valid documentation for both.

Keaveney’s Political Career

A long-standing figure in Irish politics, Colm keaveney began his political journey on Tuam Town Council in 1999.He was elected to the Dáil in 2011, representing Galway East as a Labour TD. His political career saw a notable shift in 2012 when he lost the party whip over a vote of conscience concerning a goverment plan to cut an annual care grant as part of the 2013 budget. He later joined Fianna Fáil, becoming the first sitting TD to switch directly between the two parties. Keaveney lost his Dáil seat in the 2016 general election and later served one term on Galway County Council.

looking Ahead: Road Safety and Public Trust

This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of cooperation with law enforcement. as the legal ramifications for Mr. Keaveney conclude, the incident underscores the ongoing societal imperative to uphold road safety standards and maintain public trust in the justice system. The future of road traffic law enforcement will undoubtedly continue to focus on deterrence, accountability, and ensuring the safety of all road users.